Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants Avoid Arbitration

By Ryan Gaydos

H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants are ready to defend its 2012 World Series championship in 2013 with the same team that they fielded in the playoffs. Players like Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro, who were both vital to the championship run, are back on the team and one of the most energetic closers in Sergio Romo will return too. Romo and the Giants agreed to a two-year deal Wednesday, avoiding arbitration with the team.

Romo filled in for Brian Wilson last season when Wilson was lost for the season when he underwent elbow reconstructive surgery. He was also non-tendered by the Giants in the offseason. Due to Romo’s success in 69 games for the Giants, he becomes the new closer.

In 2012, Romo recorded an ERA under 2.00 as he did in 2011. He recorded 14 saves and struck out 63 batters along the way. In the playoffs, Romo recorded four saves, and only allowed one earned run after facing 37 batters. Three of his four saves came in the World Series against the Detroit Tigers.

The Giants agreed to a minor league deal with Ramon Ramirez Tuesday bolstering the potential for the bullpen in 2013. San Francisco is projected to have Santiago Casilla and Javier Lopez split setup man duties. Jose Mijares and Jeremy Affeldt will also return to the bullpen as well.

San Francisco will have a good chance to repeat, but will have to fend off the Los Angeles Dodgers again if they want to do so.

Ryan Gaydos is a featured MLB columnist for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google